Mid and East Antrim PCSP urges drivers to check vehicles during Road Safety Week
- Love Ballymena
- 13 hours ago
- 4 min read
Mid and East Antrim Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) is joining forces with the PSNI and Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) to encourage everyone to play their part in improving road safety during this year’s Road Safety Week.
The campaign, organised by the road safety charity Brake, runs from 16 to 22 November and highlights the theme “Safe vehicles save lives”.
According to Brake, there has been no significant reduction in road deaths or serious injuries in the UK for more than a decade. Each year, over 1,700 people die on UK roads, while another 30,000 suffer serious, life-changing injuries.
In Northern Ireland alone, 69 people lost their lives in road traffic collisions in 2024 — the third highest number since 2015 — and a further 939 were seriously injured. Of those fatalities, 48 occurred on rural roads.
So far in 2025, 42 people have died in road collisions across Northern Ireland, including two in the Mid and East Antrim area.
‘One death on our roads is one too many’
Chair of Mid and East Antrim PCSP, Councillor Lauren Gray, said the figures were a sobering reminder of the importance of collective responsibility on the roads.
“One death on our roads is one too many, when every life lost causes untold grief for families and friends.
“Road Safety Week is so important to remind everyone of what is at stake when we get behind the wheel – we all have a duty to do our utmost to keep each other safe, starting with ensuring our vehicles are safe to be on the road.
“It is particularly important as we head into winter, that we make sure lights and brakes are in full working order and that we are mindful of road conditions when we watch our speed.
“Speed limits should be just that, a limit, not a target.”
Keeping vehicles roadworthy saves lives
This year’s Road Safety Week theme focuses on the crucial role safe and roadworthy vehicles play in preventing crashes and protecting passengers if an accident does occur.
Modern cars are increasingly equipped with advanced safety technology such as automated driver assistance systems, lane-keeping and speed limiters, and event data recorders that alert emergency services following a crash.
However, Mid and East Antrim PCSP is reminding drivers that these features only help when used correctly.
PSNI Chief Inspector Siobhan Watt said:
“As drivers, it’s really important to ensure our vehicles are roadworthy before every journey. That means conducting checks on a regular basis and doing all we can to make our journeys as safe as possible.
“Last year, there were 69 deaths on roads across Northern Ireland. The impact is immeasurable, causing unimaginable heartache to loved ones, changing lives in an instant.
“We urge drivers to do everything they can to help reduce collisions and deaths on our roads - we all have a part to play in keeping everyone safe.”
Emergency services urge caution this winter
NIFRS Station Commander Johnston Birrell echoed the warning, highlighting the role of firefighters at crash scenes.
“Firefighters, alongside our emergency service colleagues, witness first-hand the devastation caused by road traffic collisions.
“In 2024, firefighters attended 744 road traffic collisions and rescued 139 people who were trapped inside their vehicle.
“Road traffic collisions can be prevented and we must all do our part by slowing down, staying alert, and respecting other road users. Now that the darker nights are here, leave extra time for your journey and ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy by checking your tyres, brakes and lights regularly.”
Partnership approach to road safety
Vice Chair of Mid and East Antrim PCSP, Independent Member Sharon Maxwell, said collaborative working remained central to the partnership’s mission.
“Partnership working continues to be key for Mid and East Antrim PCSP. That partnership approach is particularly important when it comes to facilitating and resourcing the different driver education initiatives and work we carry out around road safety with our local schools, statutory and community partners.”
As part of its commitment to safer roads, Mid and East Antrim PCSP has rolled out several initiatives, including Kill Your Speed signage, the New Driver Education Programme for sixth form pupils, Speed Indicator Device deployments, and a Road Safety Quiz for primary schools.
Throughout Road Safety Week, Brake will share stories from people affected by road crashes and promote the work of its National Road Victim Service, which provides practical and emotional support to bereaved families and survivors.
For more information about PCSP road safety initiatives, email pcsp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk or follow on Facebook at facebook.com/midandeastantrimpcsp.